That "rustic" look

The rustic look has it's place on some knives, as long as it doesn't effect cutting performance.

Fiddleback, Koyote and Wilder Tools all do finishes I find attractive and usable.


Those that are truly a rough forged finish, have an interesting look, but, can effect function in use.


To each his own.




Big Mike
 
I wouldn't have a problem buying a "rough" knife with an unrefined finish, as long as it didn't have the price tag of a pretty knife with extensive finish work.

I like the rustic look for many things, motorcycles and biker leather for example. I'm not exactly drawn to rustic looking knives, but I don't need my knives to win any beauty contests either. I buy and own knives for using, not looking pretty.
 
Bob W said:
We have some talented makers here who trend towards the 'rustic' side. :thumbup:
"Rustic" doesn't have to mean crappy or poorly finished. ;)
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Agreed. Some of the folks specializing in that certain look are among the most skilled makers working today. I tend more towards more modern, highly-finished stuff myself, but that's partly just a matter of taste. Now as for folks grinding an edge on a chunk of scrap and bolting some old flooring to it for a handle, I agree; that doesn't do much for me. Then again, a lot of us got started that way.

Like many things, it just depends on whom you ask.
 
Big Mike said:
The rustic look has it's place on some knives, as long as it doesn't effect cutting performance.

Fiddleback, Koyote and Wilder Tools all do finishes I find attractive and usable.


Those that are truly a rough forged finish, have an interesting look, but, can effect function in use.


To each his own.




Big Mike
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killgar said:
I wouldn't have a problem buying a "rough" knife with an unrefined finish, as long as it didn't have the price tag of a pretty knife with extensive finish work.
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Back to back on the spot posts.

I'm not a fan of the look at all. If I was getting a great deal on a piece that I was going to beat the hell out of and the "finish" didn't affect the cutting performance then I'd go for it. I don't consider them show pieces at all, but that is just my opinion. The rustic look isn't for me.
 
A lot of people have a hard time using a polished and new-looking knife.

Like cowboy boots, whenever I get a new pair, I scuff and beat them up so I don't get neurotic about keeping them shiny and scuff-free.
 
I THINK IT MAKES THE KNIFE OR TOOL COME ALIVE, HAVE CONTRAST,AND SHOWS SKILLS OF GRINDS?? THAT AROUSES THE QUESTIONS ABOUT DAMASCUS STEELS? I THINK MOST PATTERNS DARK ETCHED ARE KILLER,BUT EVERYONE HAS OPINIONS

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I think the rough finished blades are a fad. I was into collecting custom hunters years ago and back then satin finish was popular but high polish was the most popular. Nowadays it is satin finish plus rough finish. I'm not yet a full fan of it. I don't mind rough finish on a bushcraft knife with a convex grind, but I don't care for it on a Bowie with fine blade grinds and presentation quality figured wood. Of course this is just my personal preference, if someone likes this finish and is willing to pay the prices that some of these knives go for, then that's great for them.
 
bacustomknives said:
I THINK IT MAKES THE KNIFE OR TOOL COME ALIVE, HAVE CONTRAST,AND SHOWS SKILLS OF GRINDS?? THAT AROUSES THE QUESTIONS ABOUT DAMASCUS STEELS? I THINK MOST PATTERNS DARK ETCHED ARE KILLER,BUT EVERYONE HAS OPINIONS

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I think those knives look way to good to be described as "rustic".
 
There's nothing like "rustic" knife at the wilderness, rather than the soulless plastic knives.
 
I agree in that it is something different and it's fun to do something that will always turn out very unique. Don't do it for all my knives, but some.

Here are a couple I've done recently:

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